Beef Patty Melt with Caramelized Onions, Green Peppers, and Gruyère Cheese Recipe
This classic Beef Patty Melt combines juicy ground beef patties with caramelized onions and peppers, melted cheddar and Gruyere cheeses, and toasted sourdough bread for a deliciously indulgent sandwich perfect for any meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 sandwiches 1x
- Category: Sandwiches
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 1 red onion, sliced thinly
- 1 green pepper, sliced thinly
Meat
- 1 pound Thomas Farms ground beef
Dairy & Bread
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2–3 tablespoons butter (for cooking and spreading)
- 4–8 slices of bread (sourdough, sandwich bread, etc.)
- 5–6 slices of cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded Gruyere cheese
Spices
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (for onions)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (for beef)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Caramelize the Onions and Peppers: Heat 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced red onion and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, for a few minutes until the onions begin to soften. Then add the sliced green pepper. Continue cooking on low heat, stirring occasionally, for about 20-25 minutes until the onions are deeply caramelized and the peppers are tender.
- Prepare the Beef Patties: In a bowl, combine the ground beef with 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and 1 teaspoon garlic powder. Mix gently but thoroughly. Divide and shape the beef mixture into four even patties.
- Cook the Patties: Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a grill pan or cast iron skillet over medium heat until hot. Add the beef patties and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, ensuring a nicely seared exterior while the inside remains juicy.
- Butter the Bread: Spread butter on one side of each slice of bread evenly to prepare for grilling.
- Assemble and Cook the Sandwiches: Heat 1-2 tablespoons of butter over medium-low heat in a skillet. Place the bread slices, butter side down, onto the skillet. On each slice, layer 2-3 slices of cheddar cheese and a few tablespoons of shredded Gruyere cheese. Then add one cooked beef patty on top of the cheese, followed by about 1/3 cup of the caramelized onion and pepper mixture. Divide the remaining cheese among the sandwiches and top with another buttered slice of bread, butter side up.
- Grill the Sandwiches: Cook the assembled sandwiches for 3-4 minutes per side or until the cheese is melted and the bread is toasted to a golden brown. Flip carefully to avoid spilling fillings.
- Serve: Once cooked, slice the sandwiches in half and serve immediately while hot and melty.
Notes
- Using a grill pan or cast iron skillet helps achieve a perfect sear and even heat distribution.
- Caramelizing the onions and peppers low and slow develops a rich, sweet flavor that complements the beef.
- Butter the exterior of the bread generously for a crisp, golden crust.
- Cheese choices can be adapted; Gruyere adds a nutty tone while cheddar provides sharpness.
- Serve with pickles or a side salad for a balanced meal.
Keywords: Beef Patty Melt, caramelized onions, melted cheese sandwich, grilled sandwich, comfort food, classic American sandwich